Faith and Doubt: Navigating Life's Storms with Jesus
Summary
### Summary
In our journey through Peter's life, we find ourselves in Matthew 14, where Peter and the disciples are caught in a storm while crossing a lake at Jesus' command. This moment is significant as it highlights Peter's faith and subsequent wavering. Peter, who has witnessed numerous miracles and teachings of Jesus, steps out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus. However, fear and doubt creep in as he notices the storm around him, causing him to sink. Jesus immediately rescues Peter, questioning his doubt and little faith.
This passage teaches us about the nature of faith and the common factors that cause us to waver: fear, loss of focus, doubt, and trials. Despite these challenges, we are reminded that Jesus' presence, His confrontation of our fears, His ultimate control, and the authority of His word provide us with the assurance we need to stand firm. Even when we falter, we must call out for help, reach for Jesus, and not get discouraged. Ultimately, our moments of wavering should lead us back to worship, as worship has the power to calm the storms within us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Amidst the Storm: Peter's initial act of stepping out of the boat demonstrates great faith. However, his subsequent fear and doubt upon noticing the storm around him highlight how easily our faith can be shaken by external circumstances. This teaches us that maintaining our focus on Jesus is crucial, especially when life's storms rage around us. [10:12]
2. Common Causes of Wavering: Fear, loss of focus, doubt, and trials are common factors that cause us to waver in our faith. Peter's experience shows that fear can replace faith when we become overly focused on our circumstances rather than on Jesus. Understanding these causes helps us to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining our faith. [11:54]
3. Jesus' Presence and Assurance: Jesus' presence with us is a powerful assurance that should eliminate our fears. When He announced Himself to the disciples, it was meant to provide them with confidence and peace. Similarly, knowing that Jesus is with us in every situation should give us the strength to face our fears and uncertainties. [19:13]
4. Responding to Wavering: When we find ourselves wavering, the first step is to call out for help, just as Peter did. We must not let pride or embarrassment prevent us from seeking Jesus' assistance. Additionally, reaching out to fellow believers for support can provide the encouragement and strength we need to overcome our doubts and fears. [29:03]
5. Turning Wavering into Worship: Worship is a powerful remedy for wavering faith. When we focus on worshiping Jesus, it shifts our perspective from our problems to His power and presence. Worship can calm the internal storms we face and restore our faith and confidence in God's sovereignty and goodness. [42:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Peter's Journey: From Fisherman to Follower
[01:55] - Jesus Will Rock Your World
[02:32] - The Disciples in the Storm
[03:00] - Peter Walks on Water
[03:24] - Jesus Saves Peter
[03:57] - The Intensity of the Storm
[04:54] - Jesus Wasn't in the Boat
[05:40] - Jesus Walks on Water
[06:11] - The Disciples' Fear
[07:13] - Jesus Knows Our Fear
[08:16] - Peter's Moment of Wavering
[09:16] - What Causes Us to Waver?
[11:54] - Common Factors of Wavering
[19:13] - Jesus' Presence and Assurance
[29:03] - Responding to Wavering
[42:02] - Turning Wavering into Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 14:22-33
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and what did he ask Jesus to do? ([03:00])
2. How did Peter's focus shift when he began to sink, and what did he cry out to Jesus? ([03:24])
3. What were the disciples' reactions after Jesus and Peter got back into the boat and the wind ceased? ([03:24])
4. What are the four common factors mentioned in the sermon that cause us to waver in our faith? ([11:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is maintaining focus on Jesus crucial during life's storms, as illustrated by Peter's experience? ([10:12])
2. How does Jesus' presence provide assurance and eliminate fear according to the sermon? ([19:13])
3. What does Peter's immediate cry for help when he began to sink teach us about responding to moments of wavering? ([29:03])
4. How can worship serve as a remedy for wavering faith, based on the sermon? ([42:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to maintain your focus on Jesus? ([10:12])
2. Identify a specific fear that often causes you to waver in your faith. How can you confront this fear with the assurance of Jesus' presence? ([19:13])
3. When was the last time you felt embarrassed or prideful about asking for help in your spiritual journey? How can you overcome this and reach out for support? ([29:03])
4. Think of a time when you doubted God's plan for your life. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and diminish doubt in future trials? ([11:54])
5. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help calm internal storms and restore your faith? ([42:02])
6. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt like you were sinking spiritually? What did you do, and how can you ensure you reach out to Jesus more quickly next time? ([29:03])
7. Discuss a time when you felt discouraged after a spiritual failure. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' grace and continue to walk with Him despite setbacks? ([35:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Amidst the Storm
Peter's initial act of stepping out of the boat demonstrates great faith. However, his subsequent fear and doubt upon noticing the storm around him highlight how easily our faith can be shaken by external circumstances. This teaches us that maintaining our focus on Jesus is crucial, especially when life's storms rage around us. Peter's experience is a vivid reminder that our faith is not a one-time act but a continuous journey of trust and reliance on Jesus. When we focus on Him, we can walk through the storms of life with confidence, but when we shift our focus to the chaos around us, we begin to sink.
In our own lives, we often face storms that test our faith. These can be personal struggles, external pressures, or unexpected challenges. The key is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in His power and presence to see us through. Just as Peter called out to Jesus when he began to sink, we too must call out to Him in our moments of doubt and fear. Jesus is always there, ready to reach out and lift us up. [10:12]
Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you shift your focus from the storm to Jesus today?
Day 2: Common Causes of Wavering
Fear, loss of focus, doubt, and trials are common factors that cause us to waver in our faith. Peter's experience shows that fear can replace faith when we become overly focused on our circumstances rather than on Jesus. Understanding these causes helps us to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining our faith. When we recognize these factors in our own lives, we can take steps to address them and strengthen our faith.
Fear often arises when we feel out of control or uncertain about the future. Loss of focus happens when we become distracted by the demands and pressures of life. Doubt creeps in when we question God's promises or His presence in our lives. Trials test our faith and can either strengthen or weaken it, depending on how we respond. By identifying these causes, we can be more intentional in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking fellowship with other believers, to help us stay grounded in our faith. [11:54]
James 1:6-8 (ESV): "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Reflection: Identify one area where fear, doubt, or distraction is causing you to waver in your faith. What practical steps can you take to address this today?
Day 3: Jesus' Presence and Assurance
Jesus' presence with us is a powerful assurance that should eliminate our fears. When He announced Himself to the disciples, it was meant to provide them with confidence and peace. Similarly, knowing that Jesus is with us in every situation should give us the strength to face our fears and uncertainties. His presence is a constant reminder that we are not alone and that He is in control, even when everything around us seems chaotic.
In moments of fear and uncertainty, we can find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is with us. His presence brings peace and assurance, allowing us to face our challenges with confidence. When we feel overwhelmed, we can turn to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength. By cultivating an awareness of His presence in our daily lives, we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and remain steadfast in our faith. [19:13]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially during times of fear and uncertainty?
Day 4: Responding to Wavering
When we find ourselves wavering, the first step is to call out for help, just as Peter did. We must not let pride or embarrassment prevent us from seeking Jesus' assistance. Additionally, reaching out to fellow believers for support can provide the encouragement and strength we need to overcome our doubts and fears. It is important to remember that we are part of a community of faith, and we can draw strength from one another.
In times of wavering, it is crucial to humble ourselves and acknowledge our need for help. Jesus is always ready to respond to our cries for assistance, and He often uses the people around us to provide the support we need. By being open and honest about our struggles, we can receive the encouragement and prayers of our fellow believers, which can help us regain our footing and strengthen our faith. [29:03]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt your faith wavering. Who can you reach out to for support and encouragement today?
Day 5: Turning Wavering into Worship
Worship is a powerful remedy for wavering faith. When we focus on worshiping Jesus, it shifts our perspective from our problems to His power and presence. Worship can calm the internal storms we face and restore our faith and confidence in God's sovereignty and goodness. By turning our attention to Jesus and praising Him, we can experience a renewed sense of peace and assurance.
Worship helps us to realign our hearts and minds with God's truth. It reminds us of His greatness, His love, and His faithfulness. When we worship, we declare our trust in Him and acknowledge His authority over our lives. This act of worship can transform our doubts and fears into faith and confidence, allowing us to face our challenges with a renewed sense of hope and strength. [42:02]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to help strengthen your faith and shift your focus from your problems to God's power and presence?
Quotes
1. "Jesus will rock your world. Jesus will absolutely rock your world when he invades your life." [01:55] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Peter's seen a lot since abandoning the boat as we get into this current moment of his life tonight. He's listened as Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. He has seen all kinds of healings over the past few weeks, weeks, months, that he's been traveling along with Christ. He's seen demons cast out. He's heard parables be taught. He's even just recently witnessed the miraculous feeding of the 5,000." [00:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We all have moments, I feel like, when we waver or are tempted to waver spiritually. We all battle moments where we waver in our trust and our faith and our confidence and our assurance of what Jesus is calling us out to do. And so Peter's life gives us another lesson here for when these situations come." [09:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Fear so often when it creeps into our lives can cause us to waver. And replace our faith and our trust and our confidence and our assurance that we have in who Christ is and what he is calling us to do. But we know this is contradictory to his word and how we should live. 2 Timothy 1, verse 7 says, God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but one of power and love and self-control." [12:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We don't have to waver because we have his promised presence. The writer of Hebrews referenced, way back to Joshua, when he was going into the promised land, what God spoke to him in Hebrews 13, 5, he says what? I will never leave you or forsake you. And then in Matthew chapter 28, verse 20, as Jesus is giving us as his church the great commission, he gives us this confident assurance. Well, what is it? It's his presence. And he says that I will be with you always to the end of the age." [20:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We don't have to waver today because he's still in control. And he's still sovereign. And it doesn't matter what may enter into our lives. It doesn't matter what form of adversity. It doesn't matter what trial. It doesn't matter what storm blows into your life. We can still hold great confidence and assurance and faith and trust because our God is still sovereign. I don't have to waver because he has ultimate control." [24:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Peter had been shown and given everything he needed to have full confidence. Confidence and trust in the Lord. And he's standing out there on the water. He's already demonstrated that his presence is there. He's already confronted their fears. Don't be afraid. It's me. He's already shown that he has ultimate control over all things because he's standing on the water in the midst of a storm." [26:43] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do not risk drowning in doubt and fear and in trust and uncertainty because you're too afraid to call out for help because of embarrassment and guilt and shame of where you got yourself. It is not worth drowning in. Cry out for help. Reach out for Jesus." [33:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you waver, just start worshiping. And you'll see that Jesus will come alongside you. And all of a sudden, you'll be walking over that wavering all over again." [42:02] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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